How Reliable is Laser Dentistry?
If you get that sinking feeling when you sense that familiar pain associated with a tooth that needs a filling, you’re probably just like a large percentage of the population. Most people dread the injections, drilling, and various other procedures that will need to happen inside their mouths. And that’s why laser dentistry has become so alluring with its promise of painless procedures that heal quickly and get the job done the right way the first time around.
The year 1989 saw a turning point in the dental world. That’s the year laser dentistry became available in commercial dental practices. Since then, laser dentistry has provided comfortable treatment options for various procedures that involve both hard and soft tissue, where drills and other tools are usually the go-to for the dentist. For the faint-hearted, that’s a relief! After all, there aren’t many people who can genuinely say that they look forward to a painful, invasive treatment at the dentist!
The big question for those who have never had laser dentistry is what it can be used for and if it’s entirely safe to be used for any and all procedures. If you’ve been investigating your options and want to find out more about laser, you’ve come to the right place – read on.
How Laser Dentistry Works & What it Can Be Used For
First and foremost, what exactly is a laser? A laser makes use of a narrow, focused beam of light. When the light is concentrated onto a surface – in this case, it is tooth hard or soft tissue – a reaction occurs. The laser light is used to shape tissue or even remove tissue in some instances. While laser cannot be used for every dental procedure, it is used in some standard procedures as follows:
- Dental decay
- Gum disease
- Hypersensitivity
- Teeth whitening
What’s most alluring about laser dentistry is that it’s expected to be less painful. In fact, those who have had laser dental work done on them often report that the treatment is more comfortable than traditional dental procedures and, of course, it’s more efficient and affordable. This comfort and convenience make it an alluring prospect for those who are nervous about getting dental work done in the first place.
- Hard tissue treatments
Laser dentistry has been effective in treating several hard tissue issues.
Laser dentistry can detect cavities, prepare teeth for fillings, and seal tubules on a tooth’s root to minimize or eliminate tooth sensitivity.
- Soft tissue treatments
Laser dentistry is also effective in soft tissue treatments as it can be used to reshape gums to fix a “gummy” smile, reshape gum tissue and bone for crown lengthening, and carry out a frenectomy to correct issues with the frenulum attachment beneath the tongue.
Laser Dentistry Top Benefits
When a laser is used to perform dental work, several benefits are expected. Some of these benefits include:
- When a laser is used, it is said that there is a reduced need for stitches if it is used for soft tissue treatments.
- Due to laser precision, you can expect less damage imposed on surrounding areas when dental work is carried out.
- Laser sterilizes as it works, which means there’s a lower risk of bacterial infection when dental procedures are carried out. This makes it a less risky treatment route than traditional dental procedures.
- When a laser is used, tissue tends to heal quicker.
- Some procedures require no anesthetic when laser treatment is used. This means no injections are needed (which is excellent news for those scared of needles).
- Laser enhances blood clotting ability which means there’s usually far less bleeding when procedures are carried out.
Does Laser Dentistry Pose Any Risks?
There are a few disadvantages associated with laser dentistry as follows:
- If you have teeth with metal amalgam fillings, a laser cannot be used on those teeth.
- Once the laser work is complete, drills and polishers may still be required to fix your bite comfort and ensure shaping is correctly done. This cannot always be perfectly achieved with a laser.
- In some instances, the tooth pulp can be injured when a hard laser is used – the practitioner must take extreme care.
- Not all laser dental procedures require no anesthesia.
- There is minimal risk of injury to gums.
- Laser can and should only be carried out by a qualified dental professional.
- Incorrect use of power level and wavelength could result in damaged tissue.
What Lasers Are Used in Dentistry?
Before you allow the dentist to work in your mouth with a laser, you might want to know more about the actual types of lasers used. Two main types of lasers are used in dentistry; the hard tissue laser and the soft tissue laser.
The type of laser that is used in your treatment will depend on what work you need to be done. For example, hard lasers can cut through and penetrate hard tooth structures, which can help with reshaping and filling preparation.
Soft tissue lasers cannot cut through hard tooth structures. Instead, they are ideal for killing bacteria, aiding in cavity prevention, and the idea for treating gum disease, and doing careful cleaning.
Is Laser Dentistry Right for You?
One of the reasons people are wary about laser dentistry is that they’re scared they will get caught up in the hype. However, there have been instances where dentists have advised patients that laser treatment is the right course of action when in fact, it is not entirely the case. To avoid being recommended treatment that is not ideal for your specific dental issue, it is essential to consult with a dental professional with experience in working with laser dentistry.
Final Thoughts
Getting laser dentistry is an excellent alternative to traditional dentistry if a laser is the most viable solution. Keep in mind that drills and polishers are still required to finish off the treatment in some instances. To ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the process, ask your dentist to explain what to expect during treatment from start to finish.
